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FAQ’s

What will be stored at Hazelwood?
Hazelwood Energy Hub will store liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil and condensate (a light form oil that is sometimes called natural gasoline) in underground salt caverns

How will it be stored?
The Port Barre Salt Dome is a geologic formation almost 4,000 feet below the surface. Caverns are carved in the salt dome by a process called solution mining, which involves drilling into the salt formation and injecting fresh water. As the water dissolves the salt, a cavern is formed. The water is injected in a controlled manner to create a cavern of a specific size and shape.

How big are the caverns?
Each cavern can hold between 2.5 and 10 million barrels of oil, and is approximately the size and shape of the Empire State Building upside down.

Is it safe?
Absolutely. Underground salt caverns have been used to store crude oil, natural gas, compressed air, and other substances liquid hydrocarbons since the late 1930’s. Salt is nearly impermeable to the flow of gas or liquid hydrocarbons, which eliminates the risk of the product leaking. Under the tremendous pressure underground, the salt is actually self-sealing, making it exceptionally safe and secure. In fact, the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is our nation’s emergency oil supply, is stored in underground salt dome caverns just like the ones at Hazelwood.

Does this project involve fracking?
No. There will be no fracking or any other kind of drilling for oil or natural gas. The only product used to create the cavern is water, with no additional chemicals or additives.

How can I apply for a job?
Near the beginning of construction, Hazelwood will hold job fairs and workshops in St. Landry, which will be advertised in the community and on this site. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for employment opportunities, please send a message on the “Contact Us” tab, with “Employment” in the subject line.